Competitions
Rochester's Premier
Vocal CompetitionS
- the Rochester International Vocal Competition, a fully-virtual professional young artist competition
- the Emerging Artist Competition “Joseph Eduardo,” a dedicated emerging artist competition
These programs provide vital performance experience, professional adjudication, and meaningful opportunities for growth, recognition, and career development. Explore each option below to learn more about eligibility, awards, and how to participate.
Proceeds benefit the Rochester Oratorio Society, the premier choral ensemble of New York’s Finger Lakes Region, providing community education and live choral music of the highest quality.
Two
Competitions
We offer two separate competitions for vocal artists ages 18-35. The Rochester International Vocal Competition is open to professional artists, while the Emerging Artist Competition “Joseph Eduardo” is open to students, recent graduates, and early-career professional artists.
Rochester International Vocal Competition
A fully-virtual professional young artist competition featuring world-class judges, cash prizes, and performance opportunities.
Application Window
September 1, 2026 to October 18, 2026
Cash Prizes
First Prize - $1,500
Second Prize - $1,000
Third Prize - $750
Emerging Artist Competition “Joseph Eduardo”
The emerging artist competition consists of a virtual first round followed by a live final round, where finalists will compete before a live audience in Rochester, NY.
Please watch here for Spring 2027 opportunities.
Application Window
Finals (Live Performance)
Cash Prizes
Meet the
Judges
Eric Townell
Rochester International Vocal Competition and Emerging Artist Competition "Joseph Eduardo"
Artistic Director, Rochester Oratorio Society and Finger Lakes Choral Festival
Evans Mirageas
Rochester International Vocal Competition
Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director of Cincinnati Opera
Daniel Wolfsbauer
Rochester International Vocal Competition
Daniel Wolfsbauer Artists’ Management, Artistic Director of the Music Society LA PRIMA VOLTA
External Reviewers
The Rochester Oratorio Society is pleased to announce that the following external reviewers have signed on to listen to all finalists for potential professional engagements:
James Barry, Vice President for Artistic Planning and Operations, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
Brainerd Blyden-Taylor, Founding Artistic Director, Nathaniel Dett Chorale of Toronto
Ben Byung-Hyung Rhee, Music Director, Camerata New Jersey
Joshua Conyers, Assistant Professor of Voice, Eastman School of Music
James C. Harwood, Harwood Management Group
Stephanie Havey, Artistic Director, Finger Lakes Opera
Stefanos Koroneos, General and Artistic Director, Teatro Grattacielo
Daniel Welch, Opera Division Manager, New Classical Artist Management
In Honor Of
Joseph Eduardo
The Emerging Artist Competition “Joseph Eduardo” was established in memory of Joe, a devoted member of the Rochester musical community who passed away in 2020.
Joe sang tenor with ROS and Resonanz. He was instrumental in the founding of the Rochester International Vocal Competition, working alongside Artistic Director Eric Townell to create a platform where early-career artists could shine.
Naming this competition in Joe’s honor reflects his lifelong passion for nurturing young talent and building bridges between artists and audiences.
Thank you to our sponsors
